We understand that COVID-19 has created significant financial stress for many of us. Illinois State University has received funds from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) to provide emergency financial aid grants to eligible students who have been financially impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. The federal government requires that institutions prioritize students with exceptional need, such as students who receive Pell Grants, in awarding financial aid grants to students. Since many students have been impacted financially by the coronavirus, the Financial Aid Office uses the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to identify students with the most financial need and awards funds to qualifying students.
Students may use these funds to help with educational costs such as tuition, fees, materials, books, class supplies, food, housing as well as emergency costs that have arisen due to coronavirus.
If you are experiencing extreme financial hardship, please contact the Financial Aid Office to see if there are any other options available for you.
In order to qualify for emergency grants from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund, students must be enrolled and attending classes for the current term at Illinois State University. Priority will be given to students who have submitted the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or the Aternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid. If a student has not filed the 2021-2022 FAFSA, they are encouraged to submit a FAFSA immediately. Students who are not eligible to file the FAFSA and are experiencing extreme hardship may call or email the Financial Aid Office to explore other aid or loan options.
At the present time, there is no application process. If you are experiencing extreme financial hardship, please contact the Financial Aid Office to see if there are any other options available for you.
For information on the application or process please contact the Financial Aid Office at Financialaid@IllinoisState.edu or (309) 438-2231.
If you are enrolled half-time this spring (6 or more credit hours undergraduate, 5 hours graduate), you may qualify for food and nutrition services through SNAP (formerly known as Food Stamps) during this federal public health emergency. Students who are eligible to participate in federal work-study programs (even if they don't anticipate holding a job) as well as students who completed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) with an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of $0 may qualify for SNAP, a benefit that will last for the duration of the federal public health emergency.
For more information and next steps, please contact the State of Illinois Application for Benefits Eligibility page if you feel you are eligible.
COVID-19 Redbird Response funds are available to Illinois State University students through the generous donations from alumni, parents, and friends from around the world. Your donations go directly to students to assist with financial hardships impacted by COVID-19. Your help is greatly appreciated.
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